Seed Type Glossary

Find out what raw, untreated, organic, Insect Guard, Farmore® seed and more means...

Raw - Seed in its raw form, comes in from the parent plant, is clean and has not been treated using any chemical, biological, or physical method.

Treated - Seed has been treated in an appropriate manner to protect it from specific seed- or soil-borne pathogens and thus improve its performance. The treatment may be hot water, chemical, or biological, depending on the pathogen involved. Treatment is applied under controlled conditions, in a commonly recognized fashion, at the manufacturer's recommended rate.

Standard treated seed is treated using one of several industry-standard methods, which may use chemical, biological, or hot water processes.

FarMore® treated pumpkin, squash, and melon seed provides broad-spectrum protection against soil-borne disease, as well as early season protection against striped cucumber beetles.

Untreated - Seed is clean and has not been treated using any chemical, biological, or physical method. Seed crop was not grown under Certified Organic Conditions. Certified Organic Growers: Untreated seed may be allowed in Certified Organic production, provided that a comparable variety is not available in Certified Organic seed. Check with your certifying agency for approval. Pellet ingredients for pelleted untreated seed (product numbers ending in 11-02) are not approved for use in Certified Organic production.

Organic - Seed is clean and untreated, and it was grown under Certified Organic conditions. Allowed for use in Certified Organic production. Pellet ingredients for pelleted organic seed (product numbers ending in 11-03) are NOP approved for use in Certified Organic production.

Filmcoat - Seed has been coated with an inert, food-grade material for easier handling and flowability. When treated seed is filmcoated, the filmcoat helps the treatment adhere to the seed. Certified Organic Growers: Filmcoat ingredients are not OMRI Listed.

Pelleted - Seed has been coated with an inert material in order to increase the seed size for easier planting. Certified Organic Growers: Pellet ingredients are not OMRI Listed. Pellet ingredients for pelleted untreated seed (product numbers ending in 11-02) are not approved for use in Certified Organic production. Pellet ingredients for pelleted organic seed (product numbers ending in 11-03) are NOP approved for use in Certified Organic production.

Primed - Seed has been primed for easier germination, through a physical processes like steam treatment or through chemical treatment. Certified Organic Growers: Priming processes vary by seed type and supplier. Contact us for more information, and check with your certifier for guidance on using primed seed.

Detailed - Fibrous tails have been removed from seeds for easier handling and flowability. This may be achieved through either a physical or chemical process. Certified Organic Growers: Detailing processes vary by seed type and supplier. Contact us for more information, and check with your certifier for guidance on using detailed seed.

Join our e-mail list

Sign up for money-saving special offers, growing tips and new product releases!

Why Choose Harris Seeds?

Harris Seeds has a long tradition of supplying the finest vegetable seeds, flower seeds, plants and supplies to growers and gardeners. The Harris Seeds team includes local growers and garden enthusiasts, whose invaluable knowledge and expertise allow us to better serve you. Every Harris Seeds employee shares a common goal – a commitment to your success.